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Articles by Benjamin Abela
Who Wants €500 Off Their Wedding Film/Photo Package In Malta?
Let’s face it, your wedding day is probably the single most special day of your entire life – so making sure your memories from the day are remembered in the most magical way possible is a must! Well, not only are the people at Tales Of Love Wedding offering photo and video service of exceptional quality, but they’ve also got a crazy prize up for grabs. But before we get into the ins and outs of this fantastic prize, let’s get to know the team behind Tales Of Love Wedding.
Six Reasons Why Your Web Development Agency In Malta Needs To Be ISO Certified
Recent years have seen our lives make a huge online shift. Whilst that’s made it easier than ever to access an insane trove of information, our personal data is now also extremely vulnerable. In light of this, local digital service provider NIU has pledged to take the best possible care of your sensitive information. NIU‘s most important measure to protect your information was getting ISO-certified. Here’s what that means.
High Visibility! This Leading Maltese Eyeware Store Just Expanded
In general, it’s good to save up – but there are some things you just can’t skimp out on. A prime example of that is glasses. Considering the fact that you wear them pretty much everyday and, well, they help you see, you always want to make sure that you’re getting your specs from the best possible place – somewhere like Optika Opticians. And thanks to this prime optician’s latest expansion, it’s now even easier to get your hands on a brand spanking new set of glasses.
Ace Your ACCA: Get Prepped For Your Next Big Exam With This Qualification In Malta
As the job market becomes more and more competitive, you need that one thing to set you apart from the rest – and if you’re thinking of kicking off a career in the financial sector, then that one thing has to be an ACCA qualification. PwC’s Academy in Malta has year after year established itself as a forerunner in ACCA tuition and with very good reason. But before we go into all that, here’s why you should really consider studying ACCA.
Get Your Hands On The Kwarantina Collection, Now Available On Lovin Deals
Who would’ve thought that almost a year in, COVID-19 would still be a thing? Let’s be real, the pandemic might have brought on some hardships, but it’s also given way to one of the hottest local merch drops out there – the Kwarantina Collection. This Souvenirs That Don’t Suck x Lovin Malta collaboration is here to pay tribute to one of the most memorable times in Maltese (and global) history, and it’s now available to purchase on this platform’s very own e-commerce website, lovindeals.com.
Got A Happy (Or Heartbreaking) Maltese COVID-19 Love Story? We Want To Hear About It
COVID-19 brought a lot of stuff to a sudden halt – but love still reigned supreme. Be it through dating apps, socially-distanced dates, or hand-written love letters, nothing stopped humanity from creating and maintaining relationships. Having said that, the pandemic’s pressure might have been too much for some couples, and as if break-ups weren’t tough enough, many are those who had to endure heartbreak during lockdown.
Counting Down The Ten Best Restaurants In Malta According To Tripadvisor
Winning a Michelin star is hard enough. Winning over the general public is even harder. When you’ve got a restaurant under your wing, attention-to-detail is vital – especially when considering that one bad review can pretty much ruin you and your establishment. In light of all this, maintaining a clean-sheet in the restaurant review world is something that should be wholeheartedly commended.
Swieqi Parents Speak Out About The Reality Of Raising A Kid-Genius With An IQ Of 142
Eight-year-old Michael Schembri was put under the spotlight earlier this month after a video of him solving a Rubik’s Cube in 30 seconds made the rounds on social media. Needless to say, that was enough to convince an entire country of his genius – but it turns out there’s more to Michael than just prime puzzle-solving abilities.
The Notorious VS The Diamond: Malta Prepares For A Nail-Biting UFC Battle
The last time Conor ‘The Notorious’ McGregor (10-2 UFC) and Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier (18-5 UFC) squared up, it took the former less than two minutes to score a TKO victory. But almost seven years later, Poirier is adamant about learning from his mistakes and re-emerging on top. This Saturday, Poirier is set to rematch McGregor in a lightweight main event at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, and this time, Poirier has learnt from his mistakes.
Seven Costumes We Would Have Seen If Carnival In Malta Was Still Happening
Carnival 2021 is cancelled and we couldn’t be more disappointed. The past year has seen so much go down (both locally and overseas) that we’re getting FOMO just thinking about how crazy and colourful this year’s carnival parties would have been. So whilst we cannot physically enjoy these festivities, we’re letting our imagination do the trick. Having said that, these are the costumes we would have probably seen all over Malta and Gozo if carnival 2021 was still happening. Let’s go! 1.
From Newborn To Nanna: This Company Will Take Care Of Those Closest To You
Let’s face it – few things in life are more important to us than family. Whatever it is that you might be going through, you can always rely on our country’s tight-knit families to offer a shoulder to cry on or some sage advice to get you through the day. And whilst repaying those who have been there for you since day one might seem like an impossible task, ensuring they are being cared for in the best way possible is a good place to start.
An Unknown Condition Has Kept This Maltese Man Sleepless For Over A Year
20 milligrams of Olanzapine, 800 milligrams of Quetiapine, 100 milligrams of Clomipramine, and 2 milligrams of Clonazepam. That’s the cocktail of medication 29-year-old Karl Mercieca needs to consume to get three hours of light sleep in an entire night – and it’s been this way for well over a year. “In July 2019, I started experiencing difficulty staying asleep. So I’d sleep then wake up multiple times throughout the night. From that point on, things just started getting worse,” Mercieca said.
Maltese NGO Calls For Governmental Action After Finding Dead Turtle Entangled In Waste
Local ENGO Nature Trust Malta is calling upon Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Maltese government to work towards reducing marine debris after a dead turtle was found entangled in waste. The turtle, which was a juvenile loggerhead, was found almost completely covered in abandoned fishing nets. Nature Trust Malta has encountered countless marine animals that have been adversely impacted by marine debris.
Malta Records 187 New COVID-19 Cases And 189 Recoveries Overnight
Malta recorded 187 new COVID-19 cases and 189 recoveries in the past 24 hours, bringing the country’s total number of active cases down to 2,831. Two new COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in Malta overnight. The first victim is a 79-year-old man and the second is a 91-year-old woman. They both died at Mater Dei Hospital. This means that the country’s virus death toll now stands at 244. As of yesterday, 14,276 vaccine doses were administered in Malta. 3,879 swab tests were conducted yesterday.
Mosta FC And Raiders Għargħur Come Together In Anti-Racism Display
Football teams Mosta FC and Raiders Għargħur came together in an anti-racism display before their BOV Women’s League match last night. This comes after Raiders player Maya Lucia, who also plays on the national team, was subjected to an alleged racist attack by Mosta FC supporters last Sunday. In response to this, the two teams held up a banner reading “#NotInMyGame #NoToRacism”, before taking a knee in a symbolic gesture.
Maltese Professor To Put Telescopes On Far Side Of The Moon In Monumental Project
University of Malta professor and Oxford University researcher Kristian Zarb Adami is partaking in an epic international effort to deploy radio telescopes on the far side of the moon – and it’s all to learn about the Cosmic Dawn, i.e. the period after the Big Bang which gave way to the birth of the first stars, planets, and galaxies. Lovin Malta caught up with Zarb Adami to learn about his priceless involvement with this project.
Mosta FC May Face €17,000 Fine Over Fans' Alleged Racist Attack On Maya Lucia
Mosta FC could face a €17,000 fine and a three-point league deduction over its fans’ alleged racist attack against Raiders GFC footballer Maya Lucia. Lucia, who also plays on the national team, was allegedly subjected to racist chants by the opposing team’s supporters last Sunday. Both teams, the Malta Football Association and a number of politicians condemned the alleged attack and showed solidarity with Lucia.
Mosta To Birkirkara: These 11 Localities Will Undergo Planned Power Cuts Tomorrow
Eleven localities are set to have their electricity disrupted by scheduled network maintenance and upgrade works tomorrow. These works are carried out regularly throughout the year as part of the servicing and reinforcement requirements of the national electricity grid. Only a select number of streets within the following list of localities will be affected by such works.
This Gżira Store Has Some Insane January Sales Up For Grabs
We’ve all been waiting for some sort of miracle to set 2021 apart from the dumpster-fire of a year that 2020 was – and we think we’ve found just that. Gżira furniture store OK Home has come through yet again with some downright crazy discounts we can barely wrap our head around. So sit back, relax, and get ready for this year to get a whole lot better, because here are some of our favourite OK Home discounts this year! 1.
Whacky Weather And Revelatory Recordings: These Are The Six Biggest Stories In Malta Over The Past Week
Week after week, January is certainly proving to be a massive month for news. From a Minister allegedly ‘blaspheming’ on live TV to another huge revelation in one of the country’s biggest court cases, our newsroom has certainly not been short of stories to write. Having said that, here are the six biggest stories that Malta witnessed in the past week. Here we go! 1.
Malta Football Association Condemns Alleged Racist Attack On Għargħur Footballer
The Malta Football Association (MFA) condemned an alleged racist attack targeting Raiders GFC football player Maya Lucia. Lucia was allegedly subjected to racist chants by Mosta FC supporters during an Under-19’s league match yesterday. She also happened to score her team’s winning goal. Both teams as well as the MFA condemned such acts shortly after the incident took place.
Robert Musumeci Sparks Controversy With ‘Sexist’ Comment About Gender Quotas
Government spokesperson Robert Musumeci sparked controversy after publishing a ‘sexist’ Facebook status defending the gender quotas bill currently being debated in Parliament. The bill will introduce constitutional amendments to lure more of the “underrepresented sex”, which includes women and gender-neutral people, into the House of Representatives.
Stay Informed About Our Court Case On Party-Owned TV Stations With This Website
Lovin Malta has just launched a website explaining its case to declare the country’s party-owned TV stations unconstitutional. Kaxxaturi.com details exactly why One TV and Net TV go against Article 119 of the highest law in the land, i.e. the Constitution. A proviso in Article 13 of the Broadcasting Act enables party stations to exist on the premise that they balance each other out, even though Malta’s Constitution clearly states that all broadcast media is as much as possible impartial.
Malta’s Police Union Donates Gifts, Cash, And Vouchers To Cancer-Stricken Man’s Family
Malta’s Police Officers Union (POU) presented the generous sum of €1,420, various vouchers, and gifts to the family of a Maltese man battling a brain tumour. Last December, the man’s young son had penned a heartbreaking letter to Father Christmas listing his and his sister’s festive wishes. “I wish daddy came home, because he spends a lot of time in hospital,” the son had written. “He has something bad in his head.
Finnish Motorcyclist Rushed To Hospital After Birżebbuġa Collision
A 31-year-old Finnish male motorcyclist from Mrieħel was rushed to hospital after a collision in Triq Għar Dalam, Birżebbuġa. The collision, which happened at around 9.45am, saw the motorcyclist crash into a Volkswagen Golf. The latter vehicle was being driven by a 22-year-old man from Ħal Għaxaq. A medical team was present at the scene. The 31-year-old was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified to be suffering from grievous injuries. Police investigations into the case are ongoing.
Yummy Yami! A Fully-Authentic Asian Food Joint Has Just Landed In Gżira
Yami Yabi, the newest Asian food joint to land in Gżira, is championing the bold flavours synonymous with Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai cuisines – but it’s not just the food that makes this place so authentic. The restaurant’s unique architectural style, characterised by bursts of neon lighting, is reminiscent of those tiny eateries you’d expect to find hidden in a Japanese alleyway. In short, stepping into Yami Yabi is the closest we can get to visiting Tokyo at the moment.
Malta Launches Post COVID-19 Strategy Team
Research Minister Owen Bonnici has set up a steering group dedicated to the co-ordination of the development of a post COVID-19 strategy for Malta. The group will be chaired by Professor Simone Borg, who, amongst other things, occupies the role of Head of Department of Environmental Law and Resources Law within the University of Malta’s Faculty of Laws. Borg is also a visiting lecturer at various foreign universities.
Malta's Active Cases Reach All Time High As 175 Test Positive In 24 Hours
Malta’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has reached 2,749 – an all time high for the country. This comes after 175 new COVID-19 cases, 67 recoveries, and 2 deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours. Malta’s COVID-19 death toll now stands at 238. 3,293 swab tests were conducted in the past 24 hours. This means that 564,079 swab tests have been conducted in Malta since the country saw its first case of COVID-19.
Two Cars Flip Over On Mrieħel Bypass
Two cars, being driven by a 29-year-old man from St Paul’s Bay and a 34-year-old man from Ħal-Qormi, flipped over on the Mrieħel Bypass. The incident happened at around 9am this morning after the two cars collided. The 29-year-old was driving a Nissan Juke, whilst the 34-year-old was driving a Toyota Vitz. No serious injuries were reported following the incident, although the 34-year-old man went to a nearby poly clinic. Cover photo credit: Keith Demicoli, TVM What do you make of this?
It’s Back! Book Depository Resumes Delivery To Malta
After temporarily halting delivery to a number of European countries due to Brexit trading rules, e-commerce giant Book Depository has resumed deliveries to Malta. But it’s not going to be a full return to normality just yet. In an email sent to clients, Book Depository said that deliveries may take longer than usual due to additional customer processes. However, the website will still deliver to Malta for free. Many other industries are being adversely affected by Brexit.
Nurses Threaten Industrial Dispute After Deeming Vaccine Rollout ’A Disaster Across The Board’
The Malta Union of Midwife and Nurses (MUMN) is threatening industrial action after a flurry of logistical issues made yesterday’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout “a disaster across the board”. MUMN claimed that nurses and elderly people were put at risk at health centres due to the lack of insight and management from Primary Health Care (PHC). The union alleged that elderly people were left crowded together in the rain, with no ways of maintaining social distancing.
Malta’s Vaccine Rollout Second Fastest In The EU, Seventh In The World
Statistics show that Malta’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout is the second fastest in the European Union and the seventh fastest in the whole world. Health Minister Chris Fearne took to Twitter to celebrate the news. #Malta’s Covid19 #vaccination effort second in Europe. Well done to our medical and administrative staff. pic.twitter.com/FsoPMg39WR — Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) January 16, 2021 “Malta’s COVID-19 vaccination effort second in Europe,” Fearne wrote.
This Is What Malta’s Leading Figures Would Look Like As Cartoon Characters
Years ago, TV presenter John Bundy called Malta a ‘pajjiż tal-Mickey Mouse’. Whilst the accuracy of that statement has been disputed for years on end, we think that we’ve finally managed to turn Malta into a literal ‘Mickey Mouse country’. How? You may ask… Well, the latest app to go viral is none other than ToonMe – a mobile and browser application that can turn pretty much any portrait into a cartoon.
The Ultimate Guide To Turning Vegan In Malta
From cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions to protecting precious rainforests, the positive effects of veganism are endless. Whilst a plant-based diet is pretty far-off from what we’re used to, going vegan is actually pretty doable, provided that you’re equipped with the right mindset, resources, and support system. Having said that, here are a couple of tips that can help you on your journey to go plant-based. Here we go! 1. Transition at your own pace Let’s be real.
‘Are We Second Class Workers?’: Malta’s Police Officers Are Still Not Being Granted Quarantine Leave
Malta’s police officers are still not being granted quarantine leave, thus being forced to use up a significant portion of their sick leave when put under mandatory quarantine. This goes against Article 3 of Legal Notice 62/20, which specifies that every employee shall, on employment, be entitled to quarantine leave for any period as may be determined by the Superintendent of Public Health or any other public authority.
Oliver Scicluna Will Be Co-Opted Into Malta's Parliament, PM Confirms
Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability Oliver Scicluna is awaiting approval from the Labour Party’s parliamentary group to be co-opted into parliament, Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed. Abela said that Scicluna’s co-option will be discussed during a meeting with the Labour Party’s parliamentary group later today. If co-opted, Scicluna will be taking on newly-elected MP Gavin Gulia’s vacated seat. Gulia had resigned from parliament just one day after being elected.
Seven Vegan-Friendly Eateries In Malta And Gozo You Need To Try This January
After 2020, it’s safe to say that we could all do with a break – the planet included. Kick-off the new year with an attempt at veganism, a foolproof way of helping the earth, animals, and our bodies. Vegan-friendly restaurants have been mushrooming all over our island in recent years, and they’re offering way more than that so-called ‘rabbit food’ vegans are notoriously known for.
Malta’s Medical Students Put On COVID-19 Vaccination Priority List
Medical and pharmacy students at the University of Malta have been placed on the COVID-19 vaccination priority list following pleas made by a number of student organisations. “The Council is pleased to note that UM medical and pharmacy students have been informed that they have been placed on the priority list for COVID-19 vaccination,” Kunsill Studenti Universitarji wrote.
Genie In A Pocket: Get All Of Your Needs Booked With This Nifty Maltese App
We’ve all lived through some annoying household emergency that we couldn’t possibly fix ourselves. Think along the lines of having your freezer stop working on Christmas Eve, or your toilet getting clogged before having friends over – not cool. In situations like these, anyone’s first instinct would be to get in touch with a knowledgeable service provider who can properly deal with the issue. Still, you’ve got no guarantee they’ll pick up the phone, let alone be available.
Return Of The Arrows: Spray-Painted Signs Show Up In Maltese Countryside Again
Five months after Malta charged a Frenchman for spray-painting arrows at Majjistral Park, black, blue, and red markings have been found sprayed onto more countryside surfaces. Park ranger and environmentalist Cami Appelgren took to social media to condemn such actions. “Who is the person hellbent on continuing to ruin our natural environment by spray painting?“ Appelgren said.
YouTube Bans Donald Trump’s Channel For ‘At Least A Week’
YouTube has become the latest social media platform to ban US President Donald Trump from using their services. The video platform banned Trump’s channel “for at least one week” after it was deemed that one of the President’s videos incited violence, CNN Business reported. YouTube didn’t share details about what video earned Trump the strike, however the company will be revisiting the decision after seven days.
Young Maltese Man Killed In Head-On Sydney Collision
Samuel Bartolo, a 19-year-old Maltese man living in Australia, has passed away after a tragic car accident in Sydney. The accident, which happened yesterday morning, saw Bartolo collide head-on with a truck at Northern Road, Berkshire Park. Bartolo died at the scene. No one else was in his car at the time of the accident. The truck driver was left uninjured. Many took to Facebook to pay tribute to the young Maltese-Australian. “Rest in Peace Samuel.
WATCH: Ian Borg Accused Of ‘Blaspheming’ On Live TV, Insists He Was Misunderstood
Transport Minister Ian Borg is being accused of ‘blaspheming’ on live ONE TV talk show ‘Pjazza’, but he insists that he was sorely misunderstood. The accusations started being made after Shadow Justice Minister Jason Azzopardi uploaded a clip of Borg allegedly blaspheming during the talk show. The footage was accompanied by a passive-aggressive caption reading “the Minister is educated, smart, and eloquent.
‘It’s Like My Fiancé Proposed Again’: Maltese Mother Finds Engagement Ring She Lost While Giving Birth
A Maltese mother who lost two rings while she was giving birth at Mater Dei Hospital has found one of them thanks to the flurry of appeals made on social media. Melania had taken off her jewellery as she was preparing for an emergency operation earlier this month. Due to the sheer panic induced by the situation, both she and her fiancé forgot about the rings and focused wholeheartedly on the incoming baby.
Malta Registers One New COVID-19 Related Death
An 85-year-old man has passed away after testing positive for COVID-19. Malta’s COVID-19 death toll now stands at 235. The 85-year-old had tested positive for the virus on 27th December and passed away yesterday at Mater Dei Hospital. Today, Malta recorded 240 new COVID-19 cases – the second-largest single-day rise in cases. Malta also register 80 new recoveries, meaning that the country’s total number of active cases currently stands at 2,519. Rest in peace
Pope Francis Defrocks Maltese Priest Who Sexually Abused 13-Year-Old
Pope Francis has accepted the Conventual Franciscans Order’s request to dismiss Donald Bellizzi, the Maltese priest convicted of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy, iNews Malta reported. Last November, Bellizzi, a former Burmarrad Franciscan, was sentenced to three years in prison after forcing a minor to masturbate him. Bellizzi’s offences first began in 2010, when he would invite youths interested in becoming priests on retreats to the Franciscan convent in Burmarrad.
Silvio Parnis Says He Refused Prime Minister’s Offer Of A Secretariat
Labour MP and former parliamentary secretary for active ageing Silvio Parnis said that he refused Prime Minister Robert Abela’s offer of a secretariat after he lost his post during last year’s cabinet reshuffle. During today’s parliamentary sitting, Parnis insisted that he had a good relationship with Abela and that it was his choice not to form part of the Cabinet.
Second Round Of Vouchers Will Be Rolled Out ‘When They Are Most Beneficial’, Silvio Schembri Says
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that the second round of COVID-19 vouchers will be rolled out “when they will be most beneficial” and after a consultation process with relevant parties. “We are consulting with the health authorities and other stakeholders so that the second round of vouchers is rolled out when they are most beneficial,“ Schembri said.
These Are The Six Biggest Stories In Malta Over The Past Week
It’s only the second week of the year, and 2021’s already been pretty damn crazy. From nationwide teacher strikes to brand new viral memes, the past week has given way to an insanely diverse news sphere – and it’s safe to say that we’re here for it. Having said that, here are the six biggest stories Malta witnessed over the past week. Here we go! 1.
Bomb Disposal Unit Called To Isla On Suspicion Of Car Explosive
Malta’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was called to Triq il-Vitorja in Isla after an individual reported to police that there was a suspicious package underneath their car. Shortly after the call was made to police, the EOD officials were at the scene. Police were contacted at around 3.20pm today. The EOD officials cleared the road and are still at the scene investigating the car. This is a developing story What do you make of this?
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